Should only be kept with robust fish of similar size or larger. Smaller fish may be preyed upon and this fish has the ability, but rarely will, to fatally attack fish larger than itself. Can be kept with larger species of Plecos and Thorny Catfish, and larger Cichlids.

An active scavenger, as the common name of Vulture Catfish implies. Will feed on dead, sickly and injured fish. Can be aggressive, and in the wild is known to attack fish caught on fishing lines, and hang on even when both fish are removed from the water.

The body is elongated and the head is broad. The barbels are flattened with the maxillary pair extending past the end of the adipose fin. The number of spots on the silver-grey body varies greatly between populations.